28/03/2012  Happy Valley  Race 2

After being loaded, WINSOME became very fractious and shortly after the start was crowded for room between WIND DAMPER and CAGA SPIRIT which got its head up and shifted out. Before being allowed to race again, WINSOME will be required to perform satisfactorily in a stalls test. After this, WINSOME was taken across behind runners. PAR EXCELLENCE and SUPER BROTHER bumped at the start and then shortly after the start SUPER BROTHER was steadied away from the heels of TEAM WORK when crowded for room between that horse and PAR EXCELLENCE which shifted out. WIND DAMPER travelled wide and without cover until near the 700 Metres and in the Straight gave ground. A veterinary inspection of WIND DAMPER after the race revealed that the horse was displaying an irregular heart rhythm and had bled from both nostrils. Before being allowed to race again, WIND DAMPER will be required to perform satisfactorily in an official barrier trial and be subjected to an official veterinary examination. After the 700 Metres, DIAMOND RAINBOW was left racing wide and without cover. Making the turn after the 600 Metres, WINSOME, which had been ridden along to maintain its position between SUPER BROTHER and BEAR ELITE, lost ground after getting its head on the side and shifting out towards the heels of BEAR ELITE. Approaching the 400 Metres, TEAM WORK raced tight between DIAMOND RAINBOW and PAR EXCELLENCE which shifted out from behind URBAN DANCER. Approaching the 200 Metres, TEAM WORK and DIAMOND RAINBOW bumped as TEAM WORK attempted to shift out from behind LOYAL ARMY into clear running. BRILLIANT ONE had difficulty obtaining clear running in the early part of the Straight and after the 200 Metres made contact with WINSOME when improving into tight running between that horse and DIAMOND RAINBOW. After the 200 Metres, SUPER BROTHER had difficulty obtaining clear running. After the 100 Metres, LOYAL ARMY, which was giving ground, was crowded for room between TEAM WORK which got its head on the side and shifted in slightly and PAR EXCELLENCE which was hampered and taken out by SUPER BROTHER (M Chadwick). M Chadwick was severely reprimanded and advised to ensure that he exercises due care when shifting ground in future. When questioned regarding the disappointing performance of LOYAL ARMY, Z Purton stated that his mount was able to take up a forward position as instructed behind the lead in the early stages. He said LOYAL ARMY travelled very well in the middle stages and approaching the 400 Metres he shifted to the outside of WIND DAMPER into clear running. He said rounding the Home Turn LOYAL ARMY continued to travel well, however, when placed under pressure in the early part of the Straight did not respond to his riding and failed to quicken. He said he continued to ride LOYAL ARMY along, however, the horse commenced to give ground. He added although LOYAL ARMY was hampered after the 100 Metres, this did not have an effect on the horse’s performance which, in his opinion, was disappointing. A veterinary inspection of LOYAL ARMY after the race did not show any significant findings. After the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that SUPER BROTHER had sustained a mild cut wound to the left front foot. SUPER BROTHER, URBAN DANCER and BRILLIANT ONE were sent for sampling.